What makes a successful development project for coils production?
Engineers are aware of the challenges that await them in the feasibility phase. Especially with customised inductive components, it often takes several attempts until the optimal solution is found. This is a case for the development team of the KUK Group, the leading manufacturer of customised coils and electronics.
In order to make targeted progress in development projects, a coil and electronics supplier is needed who understands what is important: short response times, agile engineering and proactive alternatives on the table. How can this be achieved? For example, with the help of a 3D printer, through which tools can be created quickly and cheaply, so that an internal plausibility check is possible without waiting time.
Faster progress thanks to in-house tool and plant construction
Developers and buyers know: No series production without toolmaking. However, in-house toolmaking is a real trump card for KUK customers even in the development phase: thanks to the independence from external toolmakers, projects go ahead practically without delay, especially in this critical phase. "We rely on a kit that we customise to the coils or electronics project. The tool is thus available in a short time without depending on external delivery times ", says Stefan Dörig, CTO of KUK Group. With its own workshop, KUK can also produce auxiliary tools very flexibly, where other coil producers would have to wait for a series tool. Another great advantage for customers is the company's own plant construction. Thanks to this in-house competence, it is possible to carry out a development trial on one of its own systems at short notice.
Iterative loops instead of waiting for the big hit
Apart from these prerequisites of a technical nature, the methodical approach favours KUK. Of course, the customer's requirements are sufficiently clarified, but then the company proceeds with a hands-on mentality according to the principle 'the proof of the pudding is in the eating'. "In practice, it usually becomes clear very quickly whether a concept leads to success or is a dead end. In any case, you will know more afterwards," Dörig continues.
Co-engineering with leading coils and electronics manufacturer
This approach is very suitable for co-engineering, which is highly appreciated by many industrial customers. Recently, for example, KUK was called in by a medical technology manufacturer for a feasibility analysis. With a low tolerance of 0.001 mm and a critical bending process, three wire variants were specified. KUK was able to produce the samples within a week. This made it possible to determine the best variant within a very short time in co-engineering with the customer. Not just on the basis of a drawing, but on samples that had already been produced. "The foundation for successful series production is laid in an iterative development process in which the customer contributes its expertise for the application and KUK its know-how about coils and electronics production," concludes KUK CTO Stefan Dörig.
